by Buzz Kanter, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
To many Harley enthusiasts, this is finally the time when Harley-Davidson unveils its lineup of motorcycles for the upcoming year. To some of us, it’s when we finally make the happy ride to the local Harley dealer and put in an order for a shiny new motorcycle. To others not ready or able to swing a new ride, it’s time to study the new models and changes for when we’re ready to buy. Either way, there is always a lot of excitement about the new machines. And the most exciting ones are usually Harley’s limited-production CVOs.
You can read about the four new Harley CVOs starting on page 110. Then managing editor and Jack Black look-alike Joe Knezevic shares his first impressions of the new Softail Convertible starting on page 74. I believe this is the third (and best) incarnation of a Harley convertible, where the rider can quickly and easily convert the stock Harley from a touring bike to an around-town cruiser in a matter of minutes. I had one of the first Harley Convertibles, an early 1990s FXR-Conv, which I really enjoyed for many years. I’m looking forward to trying out the new CVO Twin Cam model, and seeing how it compares to the old FXR and more recent Dyna versions.
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Dealer Opportunities — Good and Bad
Have you noticed a different attitude at your local Harley dealership or aftermarket shop in the last year? How about other retailers you visit? These are tough economic times, the kind that separate the clever business people from the rest. This is the perfect time for dealers and shops to win our loyalty and business, but some companies just don’t seem to understand. It used to be that when cash was tight and business was tough, the smarter dealers and manufacturers went the extra yard to work with customers and strengthen their relationships. But that was a long time ago, before Harleys became so popular that some dealers forgot their roots. Now that supply of new and used Harleys is greater than the demand for them, I’m hoping we’ll see dealers get creative in their approaches to sales. Many will, and some won’t.
Nissan needs to learn this lesson. I recently had a relationship-changing event with my local car dealership when the catalytic converter light came on in my ancient Pathfinder SUV. The local Nissan dealer told me it would cost almost $1,300 to replace it, and the warranty was good for eight years or 85,000 miles. The car was at 74,000 miles so I figured I was covered. But no, it turns out I had owned the car for eight years and five weeks.
At the local Nissan dealer’s suggestion, I called Nissan directly. Mr. Owen Welch of Nissan Customer Service politely informed me the company would not give me any support on this because I didn’t use the local Nissan dealer for oil changes and other services. I explained that I had been a loyal customer of the Nissan dealer in town that went out of business over a year ago, but the new one is farther away and not convenient to me. Mr. Welch said that wasn’t good enough. I asked to speak with a supervisor, and he said it would make no difference as the final decision had been made. This floored me. Because I do not support the new local Nissan dealer, Nissan will not support me? What kind of twisted logic is this? The company had a wonderful opportunity to win over my business by meeting me halfway on the cost of this expensive item that was five weeks out on an eight-year warranty. Instead, its action has so turned me off to Nissan that I am writing about it here and have vowed to never spend another penny with that company. Motorcycle shops and dealers take note. I can’t believe I’m the only consumer who reacts this way.
Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.
October 2009 - 2010 Harley CVO Motorcycles 
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